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Does Olivia Pope of ‘Scandal’ represent the PR industry well?

In fact, I just started watching the show. I was a bit disappointed by the pilot episode, but now that I’m one season in, I’m almost hooked.

I can see why. It has sex, drama and politics. And for us professional PR counselors, it has a little insider baseball. That’s the fun part for me.

I don’t think any show or movie I’ve seen about our industry has done us any favors. “Sex in the City” glorified the event planning side of the business. “Wag the Dog” was heavy on the supposed spin (Who produces a war for the U.S. government?), and “Thank You for Smoking” was a little over the top with a pretty polarizing topic.

Now, along comes “Scandal,” which puts the PR industry squarely in the spotlight.

But the question is this: Does the main character, Olivia Pope, represent our industry well?

Again, I’ve only seen season one so far, so I don’t have a fully formed opinion yet. But I know many people in our industry who are huge fans of the show and Ms. Pope. So, I thought I’d ask them instead.

Does Olivia Pope represent our industry well? Why or why not? Here’s what 10 friends and colleagues had to say:

Lauren Gray, Finn Partners:

“I think there are similarities and differences in Olivia Pope’s practice and today’s PR practice. Pope & Associates is willing to go to any lengths, even hiding bodies and cleaning crime scenes, to preserve a client’s image. I don’t know of many PR practitioners willing to go that far (let’s hope they wouldn’t).

“Olivia does try to present her clients in the best light—often after a scandal or before a big problem arises—and that’s what some of the PR profession is about—crisis management. I think the show gives unrealistic expectations of the public relations profession, but the goal is the same—improve public favor of your client and build a relationship between your client and the public.

“It does not put PR in the best light, but the underlying goal is the same. It’s the tactics along the way that are extremely different. Put on your white hat and always remain ethical so you don’t get caught in situations like those of Pope & Associates.”

Heather Cmiel, Bellmont Partners:

“Similar to publicist Samantha Jones in ‘Sex and the City,’ I think Olivia Pope does provide a window into a facet of a core discipline in public relations—crisis management and communications. Is it an accurate or true representation of the profession? Not in the slightest. I am pretty sure most of us aren’t spending our days cleaning up evidence at a murder site or helping a politician hide his discretionary spending on ladies of the night.

“However, while the show may be extremely exaggerated, I think Olivia does reflect aspects that we want represented in our industry. She is smart, savvy and invests everything she has in helping her clients succeed. She understands the importance of building a team that she can trust and rely on in any given situation. I also think she illustrates attributes that are needed in this profession, from being calm and level-headed in a stressful situation to providing strategic counsel that helps address an issue and solves a problem, even though it may be hard for the client to hear.

“I don’t think most TV PR people represent the PR industry very well. TV writers like to have their characters use guerilla tactics, and often do not promote honesty.

“There was one episode where Pope was media training a presidential candidate. I was impressed with her advice to be honest and come clean on an issue that was sure to arise. It did, and the candidate was upset, but later realized Pope had her do the right thing.”

Anne Schopen, Pineapple RM:

“Let’s just say in the media prep/training the character provides, some tips are similar to what we might provide to clients/spokesperson(s), but she does it in a more exaggerated/dramatic fashion.

“In other areas of her expertise, the show is a little over the top, which hooks those of us who love to watch, but it may not accurately or positively represent the industry overall. In all honesty, I tend to think the show is more about politics and drama than PR.”

Laura Scholz, Scholz Communications:

“I’ve never worked in politics, but I think Olivia Pope represents the PR industry about as well as Samantha Jones represented the PR industry in ‘Sex in the City’—which is not very well.

“We are no more about defending political scandals and secrets than we are about throwing weekend parties in the Hamptons. Also, I’ve never seen Olivia Pope interact with the media beyond a press conference she calls.

“There’s a lot more behind-the-scenes work—relationship building, storytelling, research, reporting, billing—that isn’t captured in this show, mostly because it’s not interesting or sexy.

“If her role fits any in PR, it’s that of a crisis communications manager. But I don’t know of one in real life who has her ability to manipulate the law and situations to her will. But it does make for great TV.”

Brittany Berger, eZanga:

“While there are several parts of Pope & Associates that are unrealistic (like the frequent lack of transparency and all the lying), I think Olivia Pope as a character is a great representation of the kind of person that makes a good PR professional.

“She handles stress extremely well. The amount of chaos in this woman’s life is far beyond what most people would be able to handle. She rarely ever freaks out or lets anyone see her sweat. Instead, she remains calm and thinks of possible solutions.

“She’s also extremely dedicated to her clients, team and friends. Just look at her employees. They were all clients Olivia was so dedicated to that she continued helping them beyond what she was originally hired for.

“Speaking of her employees, she knows how to build a team. Each employee brings a different background and set of skills to the table so that as a firm they can do whatever the client needs done. She’s also gained the trust and loyalty that’s necessary in a great team.

“Finally, she’s a great communicator who understands that you need to think not just of what you want to say, but how your audience could interpret it, and adapt your message accordingly.”

Anuli Akanegbu, Edelman:

“Yes, Olivia Pope represents the PR industry well—flaws and all. Public relations is considered one of the most stressful industries because PR practitioners have to deal with tight deadlines from hard-to-please clients. Each episode of ‘Scandal’ shows Pope & Associates handling a seemingly impossible task. I emphasize “handling” because that’s what Olivia Pope does. She tries her best to come through for her clients despite conflicting professional and personal problems that may arise. Olivia knows clients want results, not excuses.

“She is a problem solver who thinks quickly, strategically and creatively, as any good PR practitioner should. Each episode of ‘Scandal’ serves as a prime example of the Nelson Mandela quote, ‘It is always impossible until it is done.'”

Jill Heggen, Swanson Russell:

“Olivia does not represent public relations as I know it. She’s a fixer working in crisis communications 24/7. She’s reactive to situations, whereas I see the best use of public relations when its proactive. Much of my work revolves around strategic planning (including editorial calendars, key messages, media training, etc.). While crisis communications can be one part of public relations, it’s not the whole story. PR is much more.

“However, I love ‘Scandal,’ and enjoy seeing Olivia navigate through each situation. I love the fashion, drama and large glasses of wine. (OK, maybe that part represents PR well!)”

Elizabeth Banta, Edelman:

“I think Olivia Pope serves as a strong role model for the PR profession through her relationship building and leadership, but her occasionally unethical practices cast a negative light on PR professionals’ strict code of ethics. Overall, I think she does represent the PR industry well through her deep connections and ability to tell a story.”

Keri-Ann Stanton, Joe Public Relations:

“Do I think Olivia Pope represents the PR industry well? Yes I do. I think she shows what calm, strategic thinking can achieve, as well as the value and importance of a strong network.

“The only thing that I don’t really like is the spin doctor factor. I think that is what has given, and will continue to give, PR a bad name. But if someone wants to refer to me as #thefixer, I will give a wink and grin.”

Arik Hanson is principal of ACH Communications in Minneapolis. He blogs atCommunications Conversations, where a version of this article originally appeared.

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